Herceg Novi: The City of the Sun and the Gateway to Montenegro
Herceg Novi, often called the "City of the Sun" or the "City of 100,001 Steps," is a stunning coastal town at the entrance to the Bay of Kotor. It serves as a sun-drenched gateway to Montenegro, blending a laid-back Mediterranean vibe with a rich, multi-layered history.
History and Description
Founded in 1382 by Bosnian King Tvrtko I, Herceg Novi has been a "spoils of war" for many empires, including the Ottomans, Venetians, Spanish, and Austrians. This tug-of-war left behind a unique architectural tapestry.
The town drops down a steep hillside toward the Adriatic Sea, creating a vertical maze of stone steps and hidden squares. It is famous for its lush greenery - historically, sailors brought back exotic seeds from their voyages, transforming the town into a botanical garden, where palms, mimosas and eucalyptus trees stretch over ancient stone walls. Whether you're looking for a summer getaway or a quiet winter retreat, the town's over 200 days of sunshine a year make it a year-round destination.
Typical Foods
The local cuisine is a "surf and turf" delight, blending fresh Adriatic seafood with hearty mountain dishes.
Black Risotto (Crni Rižot): A signature coastal dish colored and flavored with squid ink.
Buzara: Shellfish (usually mussels or shrimp) cooked in a fragrant sauce of white wine, garlic and parsley.
Pršut & Cheese: Thinly sliced ??cured ham (typically from Njeguši) served with local "layered" cheeses and olives.
Pasticada: A slow-roasted beef stew with red wine and prunes, often served during festive celebrations.
Mimosa-inspired delights: During the Mimosa Festival, you'll find yellow-themed desserts and local wines flowing freely.
Festivals and Events
Herceg Novi is known as the "City of Festivals" for its vibrant cultural calendar:
Mimosa Festival (Feb/March): The most iconic event, celebrating the first flowers of spring with street parades, masquerade balls, and "fish and wine" parties.
Herceg Novi Film Festival (August): International films are screened under the stars at the historic Kanli Kula Fortress.
Guitar Art Summer Fest: World-class guitarists perform in the squares of the Old Town.
HAPS (April Theater Festival): A regional highlight for performing arts enthusiasts.
Activities & Nature
Fortress Shopping: Explore Kanli Kula (the “Bloody Tower”) for panoramic views or Forte Mare on the waterfront.
Promenade: Walk the 5km Pet Danica promenade, which connects the town to Igalo and is lined with cafes, marinas and swimming spots.
The Blue Cave & Rose: Take a boat from Škver harbour to swim in the iridescent Blue Cave, or visit the sleepy, picturesque village of Rose.
Ørjenbjerget: For hikers, the hinterland offers rugged trails with views that stretch all the way to Italy on clear days.
Igalo Healing Mud: Visit the nearby health centre for a natural spa experience in the mineral-rich waters.
Shops
Old Town Shops: Stroll through the narrow streets to find Annabella Candy Gift Shop with handmade sweets or Silver Garden with unique jewellery.
City Market: A must-see in the morning for fresh honey, dried figs and homemade olive oil.
HDL Novi Mall & Solemar: For modern retail therapy, these centers in Igalo house international brands and local supermarkets like Voli and Idea.